COURSE DESCRIPTION
Learn how charred biomass (biochar) can increase soil productivity (including expanded tree mycorrhizal networks in a burned area), reduce wildfire risk, and slow climate change. Mechanical engineer Kelpie Wilson and forest ecologist Ken Carloni will provide a history and science of biochar production and use during morning classroom presentations. Afternoons will be spent in the field looking recent wildfire impact on forests, examining at biochar in the lab, and hands-on learning demonstrations of how to make biochar in simple kilns.

COURSE OUTCOMES
Students will:

be introduced to the chemistry and biology of biochar at scales ranging from atoms to the biosphere

investigate the physical and chemical properties of biochar during lab exercises

observe the natural production of biochar in an area recently burned in a wildfire

understand available technology options for biochar production at different scales

become familiar with the production of biochar through hands-on demonstrations

COURSE SCHEDULE

Day 1
Presentation

What is Biochar?

Biochar: From Electrons to the Biosphere

Soil Microbial Ecology

Biochar and Forests

The Carbon Cycle and Climate Change

Activities

Physical and chemical properties of biochar (lab exercises)

Wildfire and biochar (field observations)

Day 2
Presentation

Biochar Applications

Pyrolysis – overview

Centralized Biochar Production – options

Mobile Biochar Production – options

Biochar Job Planning and Estimating

Activities

Biochar production in “flame cap” kilns

Please Join Us! Siskiyou Field Institute at the Deer Creek Center in Selma, Oregon is a wonderful facility in a beautiful wildland setting. We will have a lot of fun exploring biochar and forest ecology.
-Kelpie Wilson